# Caritas Hungary

Caritas Hungary (Hungarian: Katolikus Karitász; Latin: Caritas Hungarica) is a not-for-profit social welfare organisation in Hungary. It is a service of the Catholic Church in Hungary.
Caritas Hungary is a member of both the worldwide Caritas Internationalis confederation and its regional network Caritas Europa.

## History
### Historical context

The origin of Caritas Hungary is similar to that of other national Caritas organisations. It was formed by uniting various fragmented and uncoordinated Church-organised charitable activities into a single, cohesive organisation with a national headquarter and regional branches within different Catholic dioceses. This model mirrors the development of Caritas organisations in countries like Germany (Caritas Germany, established in 1897), Switzerland (Caritas Switzerland, established in 1901), Austria (Caritas Austria, established in 1903), and Czechoslovakia (Caritas Slovakia was established in 1927 and Caritas Czech Republic in 1928).
Caritas Hungary was established in the challenging context of the Great Depression, a time marked by economic crisis and widespread poverty. The organisation's inception was inspired by the principles outlined in Pope Pius XI's 1931 encyclical, Quadragesimo Anno, which addressed the ethical dimensions of the social and economic order and emphasised the importance of organised charitable efforts.

### Founding and Early Mission

Caritas Hungary was officially founded on 7 October 1931, initiated by Cardinal-Prince Primate of Hungary, Justinian Serédi. Originally named the St. Elizabeth Charity Centre (Hungarian: Szent Erzsébet Karitász Központ), its primary aim was to unify and coordinate the activities of various Catholic charitable organisations across the country.
During World War II, Caritas Hungary extended its efforts beyond aiding the poor to include significant war relief initiatives. It provided support to the families of soldiers, compiled war relief information for parishes, and offered assistance to refugees and bomb victims. With foreign donations, the organisation conducted large-scale relief operations, distributing financial aid, clothing, food, and shelter to refugees, orphans, and other vulnerable groups.

### Post-War Challenges and Dissolution

Following World War II, during the period of the Second Hungarian Republic, Caritas came under increasing political influence. By 1950, under the Communist regime of the Hungarian People's Republic, the authorities dissolved Caritas along with many religious orders. Despite this, the Catholic Church continued to engage in charitable activities, albeit on a smaller scale and often covertly to avoid governmental scrutiny.

### Reestablishment and Growth

After the fall of communism in Hungary, Caritas Hungary was re-established. In 1990, the Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference initiated efforts to reorganise the institution. Father Miklós Frank, who had experience with Caritas Internationalis, was tasked with leading this effort. On 14 June 1991, the organisation was officially registered as Hungarian Caritas and became a member of Caritas Internationalis.
To enhance its reach, the re-established Caritas encouraged each diocese and parish to form charity groups. By 1996, 590 parish Caritas groups were operating across the country, with over 6,000 volunteers actively participating. From 1994 onwards, the organisation began establishing its own social and health institutions and became involved in international Caritas aid campaigns.

### Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Efforts

Caritas Hungary has been a consistent presence in disaster relief since 1997, providing social assistance in flood-affected areas, participating in international relief efforts, and aiding victims of domestic disasters. The organisation offers accommodation, social care, reconstruction support, and mental health services to those affected.
In 2001, the episcopal faculty renamed the organisation Catholic Charity – Caritas Hungarica, underscoring its role as the Catholic Church's official aid agency. That same year, it supported victims of the Bereg flood through material and spiritual assistance.
The organisation's international efforts include aiding victims of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka and providing substantial support during the 2010 floods in Hungary's Borsod County, as well as after the 2020 Petrinja earthquake in Croatia.

### Recent Activities

Caritas Hungary continues to operate numerous social institutions nationwide, serving addicts, the homeless, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. During the 2015 European refugee crisis, the organisation provided critical aid, including distributions of supplies and medical care, to thousands of migrants passing through Hungary.
In 2022, Caritas Hungary was instrumental in aiding Ukrainian refugees who sought safety in Hungary after the Russian invasion. Over 21,000 individuals received immediate support at aid centres, and thousands found temporary shelter arranged by Caritas. Assistance provided through the Integration Centre surpassed 1 billion Hungarian forint in value, with nearly 1,300 families receiving help with housing or livelihoods. The organisation also provided relief to those in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the Transcarpathian region.
In 2016, more than 300 employees and almost 9,000 Caritas volunteers work in Caritas Hungary, i.e. in the national headquarters, the 16 diocesan Caritas offices and the 17 self-maintained social institutions.